Assistant Store Leader

The Kroger Co.•Blendon Township, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Store Leader learns the operations of all departments and store-management duties, and shares responsibility for store performance across operations and human resources. The role performs scheduling, security, maintenance, safety, sanitation, ordering, administration, and human-resources-related duties. It demonstrates the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety. The Assistant Store Leader assists the Store Manager with customer experience, merchandising and operating initiatives, financial performance, staffing, talent development, and compliance. The position manages total store operations in the Store Manager’s absence and supports associates and department leaders in achieving sales, profit, safety, and other business goals.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of experience as a department manager, service manager, or in an equivalent role.
Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing associates, including supervisors, managers, and future leaders, to achieve customer-service, operational, and business goals in a fast-paced retail environment.
Demonstrated experience using KPIs, metrics, and data insights to identify opportunities, solve problems, and support business decisions.
Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence others to drive store performance.

Nice To Haves

Proven success driving customer experience, sales growth, operational excellence, and talent development.
Experience managing competing priorities while leading teams through change and achieving business objectives.
Strong track record of independently leading strategies that delivered sustained, measurable improvements across multiple areas of store performance.

Responsibilities

Assist the Store Manager and associates in creating a favorable customer shopping experience and developing associate interest in customer service and relations.
Assist the Store Manager in leading teams to plan, implement, and execute merchandising and operating initiatives.
Help develop action plans and communications for associates based on Associate Insight survey results.
Work with department heads and store associates to identify opportunities, develop timely solutions, and create action plans that ensure implementation.
Model and demand the highest level of customer service and resolve associate and customer issues or concerns.
Manage total store operations in the Store Manager’s absence.
Achieve or exceed weekly, period, and annual sales, wage, and profit budgets, along with other targeted goals such as safety and shrink.
Drive sales by working with department managers to maximize sales and profits, reduce shrink, and improve each department’s contribution.
Assist the Store Manager with regular store-level financial performance discussions with associates, including budgets for sales, shrink, labor, and other expenses, and other targeted goals such as safety.
Analyze and respond to the competitive landscape within the district or division.
Demonstrate inclusive leadership and expect inclusive behavior from associates.
Use coordinators and other field staff to help departments achieve sales and profit goals and execute division merchandising plans.
Promote and support relationships with local community organizations surrounding the store.
Help build proactive and productive relationships with union representatives or business agents when the store is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Communicate necessary information to associates so they can effectively perform their duties.
Serve as a liaison with store and district managers and coordinators regarding the effectiveness of division merchandising and operational plans and programs.
Assist the Store Manager with staffing, reducing turnover, and increasing retention.
Provide timely individual and department performance feedback to department heads and associates.
Assist with daily labor management and supply costs to meet customer-service and financial targets.
Ensure store compliance with federal, state, and local laws and enterprise policies, and ensure associates understand those requirements.
Support the Store Leader in driving adoption of current and emerging technology solutions by coaching associates and leaders to use tools that improve operational and business performance.
Support the Store Leader in building leadership bench strength by developing department leaders, assistants, leads, and emerging talent for future opportunities.
Supervise and coach direct reports, complete performance reviews, and provide feedback.
Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.